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#SneakerFeature – July

It has become evident that over the past couple of years Melbourne has considerably stepped up its sneaker game. From where we once saw every man and his dog rocking a basic pair of roshes, free runs or flux’s; we now see rare, limited and very technical sneakers being worn. With more and more Melbournians starting to appreciate the sneaker game, finding a unique pair of kicks that very few have has become a complicated task.

Compared to the rest of the world, Australia tends to lack a large variety of current and well-stocked sneaker stores with a few exceptions. Consequently, this has created an influx of generic sneakers throughout our streets. Luckily with an abundance of sneaker websites that stock new release and limited kicks it now means that those who cant afford to line up for new releases for hours on end can cop unreal sneakers via the Internet.

Throughout this article I will look at a few sneakers that have recently dropped or will be released throughout July that you should be saving up to cop over this cold winter.

1. Nike Air Presto “Brutal Honey” and Nike Air Presto “Lightning”

Release date:20/06/2015Price: $161 AUD

With the success of the Nike Air Presto Breeze Quick strike dropping late last May in both black and white it is safe to say that Presto’s are back stronger than ever. Since its initial release, Nike have been pumping out different colour ways for just over 15 years. I remember purchasing my first pair back in 2006 and loving how they both looked and felt. Its unique rubber cage and lightweight mesh made it an innovative shoe. It was only until 2 years ago that I unfortunately dropped them out of the 30th floor of a Bangkok hotel, never to see them again.

First up, “Brutal Honey”. As the name suggests these sneakers are straight fire! Coming in a black, neutral grey and yellow streak colour way they look as cool as their name suggest. They feature a black-based upper with grey, yellow and white accents. These sneakers are a limited release; so initially acquiring a pair of these will be not as straightforward as any regular pair of Presto’s. Although, since it has been some time since their initial release finding a pair of these shouldn’t be too much of a strenuous task. These shoes feature regularly on ‘Shop and Swap’ and also are listed throughout eBay.

Next we look at Nike Air Presto “Lightning”. Coming in a black, light grey and harbor blue colour way. These sneakers also feature a unique lightning strike design throughout the upper, which we saw Adidas bite with one of their ZX Flux models. Similar to the “Brutal Honey” these shoes were a limited release and feature regularly on ‘Shop and Swap’ and also throughout eBay. .As a huge Presto fan its pains me to say this but I cannot help but feel the lightning design clashes with a lot of clothing options. Subsequently, when wearing these on your feet it is critical that you plan what you will accompany them with. Besides this, still a super cool pair of kicks that have more than just my attention.

Another aspect that makes the Nike Air Presto so distinctive is how they are sized. Unlike a conventional US, UK or EUR sizing, the Presto’s use a XXS-XL in a unisex system. Below is a sizing guideline to follow when purchasing a pair of Presto’s:

XXS: 6-7 XS: 7-8 S: 8-9 M: 9-10 L: 10-11 XL: 11-12 XXL: 12-13

2. New Balance 996 Deconstructed “Dark Moss” (MRL696)

Release date:05/07/2015Price: $175 AUD

After fluctuating between my New Balance 574’s and M1300GD’s in my sneaker rotation it is hard to go past this game changing pair of New Balances. Based upon the original 996’s, New Balance has “deconstructed” these sneakers with an olive suede upper featuring a series of perforated detailing. This detailing is also seen throughout the sidewalls and over the toe box.

What really pulls these shoes together is the seamless transition from shoe to lace, as these sneakers feature spotless olive laces. Add in a dash of brown for contrast seen on the tongue and these kicks looking delicious. This killer sneaker is finished off with a white midsole and tonal heel counter. You can cope this shoe in Beige, Sage and off white. Despite this, it is hard to go past the “Dark Moss” colour way as they make these sneakers stand out in a clean crisp way.

After owning a few suede sneakers they tend to be more susceptible to becoming stained. I will be the first to admit that I have made the mistake of wearing new shoes out and returning home to find unexplainable black marks all over them and an instant feeling of regret and remorse. Once this has happened not even your grandma will be able to salvage them. This is why I cannot recommend a good protector enough such as Crep Protect. Make sure you cop these sneakers before they run out!

3. Nike Air Huarache “Georgetown” (Navy/Beige)

Release date:12/07/2015Price: $200 AUD

Purchase from: http://www.jdsports.co.uk/

For those who have at least some exposure to sneakers the phrase “Huarache” is one that should not be unfamiliar. With the ‘Nike Air Huarache’ being initially released back in 1991, huaraches have stood the test of time being modified, redesigned and revolutionised over many years. On a recent trip to Japan I found myself walking around a four story Nike store in Shinjuku. To my amazement this store has a whole level dedicated to various models of huaraches, ranging from to the ’Nike Air Huarache Run’ to the ‘Lunar Huarache Light’ and many more.

Of recent I have seen a lot of people rocking both the triple black and white color ways, which look great. Unfortunately due to their popularity their prevalence throughout Melbourne has sky rocketed. That is why it is time to move away from the obvious triple white and black colour ways and make sure your cop the upcoming Nike Huarache “Georgetown”.

Like most huaraches these looks super promising due to their simple yet refined appearance. The dark navy upper coupled with hints of beige are inspired by Georgetown University colours located in Washington D.C. These sneakers are constructed of dark navy blue light weight material with a synthetic upper. The iconic huarache heel guard on this sneaker is a similar dark navy with a crisp white midsole finished off with a beige rubber waffle outsole.

The simplicity of this shoe is what makes it so appealing. Unlike other colour ways that try to draw your attentions to every aspect of the show, this Georgetown colour way delivers an effortless yet versatile sneaker. I would recommend to always purchasing huaraches a half size up due to the way they fit. With these recently being released make sure you cop a pair in your size for eternal style comfort.

4. Nike Air Max 95 Ultra Jacquard

Release date: 16/07/2015Price: $249 AUD

After celebrating 20 years of dominance in the sneaker game, Nike Air Max 95’s have been redesigned and reinvigorated. As a sneaker enthusiast who purchased his first pair of Nike Air Max 95 EM “Beaches of Rio’ back in 2013, I am excited to see these released. Of recent Nike have been smashing out new and bold colour ways for the 95, moving away from conventional dark tones to vibrant bright colours. Although I tend to steer away from neon and loud excessively bright colours, I am rather fond of both the White/Metallic Silver-Dark Grey-Black and the Black/Metallic Silver-Dark Grey-White (“Beethoven”) models as pictured.

These sneakers feature a one-piece constructed upper with flywire technology and a lightweight woven-jacquard, as well as vibrant neon accents on the eyelets, similar to the original. From experience I can vouch that these are some of the most comfortable sneakers I own due to the secure lockdown Max Air units in the heel and forefoot for maximum impact protection. It also has a rubber outsole with a waffle pattern for traction and durability. Make sure you preorder these so that you can be some of the first in Melbourne to rock them!